Heat Containment Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A heat containment apparatus may include a housing having an access window, the housing being formed, at least in part, of an insulating material. Alternatively, a heat containment apparatus includes a housing being an expandable structure having an access window, the housing including an insulating material. Heat containment apparatuses may be used in conjunction with performing high temperature operations and/or low temperature operations to at least portions of substrates contained therein.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to heat containment apparatuses suited foruse in high temperature operations of substrates, such as brazing ofdrill bits.

The manufacturing of many downhole tools includes applying awear-resistant coating (e.g., a hardfacing on a cutting structure),attaching cutting structures (e.g., a braze to attach a cutter), and/orattaching wear-resistant elements to protect the surface of the downholetool from wear and abrasion. The application of these coatings requiresthe surface of the downhole tool (or component thereof) be at elevatedtemperatures, e.g., 650° C.-760° C. (1200° F.-1400° F.) for brazing. Theelevated temperature may, at least in part, assist with reducingresidual moisture on a surface and mitigate differential thermalexpansion of two or more components.

To achieve this the downhole tool is heated in a kiln, or similarapparatus, then removed to apply the coating. In order to keep thesurface at an elevated temperature after removal from the kiln, workerswrap the downhole tool with a ceramic blanket (or wrap or tape). Then,as the ceramic blanket is carefully peeled away to ensure that noparticulates remain on the surface, the coating is applied. If duringthis process the surface cools below a certain threshold, e.g., about480° C. (900° F.) for brazing, the downhole tool must be reheated andrewrapped before the process can continue.

With this process, defects and potential failure points can manifest inseveral places. First, when wrapping the heated substrate, ceramicparticulates and fibers from the wrapper can become fused to the surfaceof the tool. Particulates and fibers that are not removed can createsurface areas where the coating may fail to properly adhere to the toolsurface. Thus, ensuring the surface is clean for coating is often timeconsuming, thereby increasing the chances of needing to reheat and beginagain. The reheating and continuation of coating can further createdefects or points of potential failure where the first coating andsecond coating interface.

Additionally, this process requires workers to handle materials atextremely high temperatures. Further, many of the processes performedproduce harmful air borne chemicals and particulates. While workersemploy safety measures (such as, insulated gloves and coveralls andrespiratory devices), an apparatus that reduces defects and potentialfailure points in the downhole tools while further reducing workersafety risk would be of benefit to one skilled in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to heat containment apparatuses suited foruse in high temperature operations of substrates, such as brazing ofdrill bits.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a heat containmentapparatus comprising a housing having an access window, the housingbeing formed, at least in part, of an insulating material.

In other embodiments, the present invention provides a heat containmentapparatus comprising a housing being an expandable structure having anaccess window, the housing comprising an insulating material.

In still other embodiments, the present invention provides a heatcontainment apparatus comprising a housing comprising a heating elementand an insulating material, the housing having an access window.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a heat containmentapparatus comprising a housing comprising an insulating material, anaccess window, and at least one selected from the group consisting of: achimney, a removable access gap cover, a slideable access gap cover, ahinged access gap cover, a viewing window, a longitudinally expandablewall, a radially expandable wall, a hinged wall, a handle, a fluid port,a heating element, a fluid jacket, a reduced pressure container, asubstrate holder, a base, and any combination thereof.

In other embodiments, the present invention provides a system comprisinga heat containment apparatus that comprises a housing having an accesswindow, the housing being formed, at least in part, of an insulatingmaterial; a substrate holder capable of maintaining a substrate withinthe heat containment apparatus; and a ventilation element in fluidcommunication with the heat containment apparatus.

In still other embodiments, the present invention provides a methodcomprising heating at least a portion of a substrate to a firsttemperature; placing the portion of the substrate in a heat containmentapparatus that comprises a housing having an access window, the housingbeing formed, at least in part, of an insulating material; maintaining afirst section of the portion of the substrate above a second temperaturethat is within about 50% of the first temperature; and performing afirst high temperature operation on the first section of the portion ofthe substrate while the portion of the substrate is substantially withinthe heat containment apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of thepresent invention, and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments.The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modification,alteration, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to thoseskilled in the art and having the benefit of this disclosure.

FIGS. 1A-C illustrate a nonlimiting example of a heat containmentapparatus according to the present invention (not necessarily to scale).

FIGS. 2A-B illustrate a nonlimiting example of a heat containmentapparatus according to the present invention (not necessarily to scale).

FIG. 3 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a heat containment apparatusaccording to the present invention (not necessarily to scale).

FIG. 4 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a heat containment apparatusaccording to the present invention (not necessarily to scale).

FIG. 5 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a system according to thepresent invention (not necessarily to scale).

FIG. 6 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a system according to thepresent invention (not necessarily to scale).

FIG. 7 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a system according to thepresent invention (not necessarily to scale).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to heat containment apparatuses suited foruse in high temperature operations of substrates, such as brazing ofdrill bits.

The heat containment apparatuses of the present invention are suitablefor use in high temperature operations and allow for increasedefficiency while enhancing worker safety. Heat containment apparatusesdescribed herein may be capable of maintaining a substrate at elevatedtemperature for longer periods of time and with less chance of surfacecontamination than traditional methods. Further, the heat containmentapparatuses may allow a worker to more readily access the substratebeing treated. Together, these benefits may advantageously allow forhigher quality downhole tools having been treated at high temperature(e.g., attachments via braze joints and wear-resistant hardfacings)without having to repeatedly heat the substrate.

The heat containment apparatuses may enhance worker safety in at leasttwo ways. First, increased access to the substrate enhances workersafety by minimizing the risk of direct contact between the worker andthe heated surface. Second, the heat containment apparatuses mayincorporate specific design features that enhance worker safety. By wayof nonlimiting example, ventilated heat containment apparatuses mayreduce a worker's exposure risk to potentially harmful air bornesubstances. Further, heat containment apparatuses may provide a barrierto reduce the heat exposure to workers as a whole, both those that areperforming high temperature operations and surrounding workers.

It should be noted that when “about” is provided at the beginning of anumerical list, “about” modifies each number of the numerical list. Itshould be further noted that in some numerical listings of ranges, somelower limits listed may be greater than some upper limits listed. Oneskilled in the art will recognize that the selected subset will requirethe selection of an upper limit in excess of the selected lower limit.

In some embodiments, a heat containment apparatus of the presentinvention may comprise a housing having an access window such that thehousing material comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of aninsulating material. As used herein, the term “access window” refers toan opening in a wall of a housing that allows access to a substratedisposed within the housing. It should be noted that in some embodimentsthe heat containment apparatus of the present invention can beconfigured to have an access window parallel to the plane of the ground,perpendicular to the plane of the ground, any angle therebetween, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the access window of a heatcontainment apparatus of the present invention may have a frame. In someembodiments, the frame of access window may be formed from the walls ofthe housing.

Referring now to the nonlimiting example of a heat containment apparatusof the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 1A-C, heat containmentapparatus 100 comprises housing 104 with two access windows 106 for usein conjunction with substrate 102 (shown as a fixed cutter drill bit).Housing 104 has telescopic walls 128, 128′, and 128″ each being 12.7 cm(5 inches) in height. Telescopic walls 128, 128′, and 128″ are designedto extend with 1.3 cm (½ inch) overlap between walls 128 and 128′ andwalls 128′ and 128″ to a final height of 35.5 cm (14 inches). Further,walls 128 and 128″ comprise the upper and lower frame of access windows106, respectively, while the opening in wall 128′ extends from the topto the bottom of wall 128′ to allow for the proper configuration ofaccess windows 106 in the extended and retracted states. To assist inextension and retraction, wall 128″ (the outer wall) has handle 122attached thereto. By way of nonlimiting example, telescopic walls 128,128′, and 128″ may be made of different materials. It should be notedthat directional terms used in the description of a figure are providedfor reference only and do not imply an operational limitation.

Referring now to the nonlimiting example of a heat containment apparatusof the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 2A-B, heat containmentapparatus 200 comprises housing 204 for use in conjunction withsubstrate 202 (shown as a pipe). Housing 204 is open ended with accesswindow 206, cover 220, heater 240, hooks 226, and bearings 234. Bearings234 allow for substrate 202 to be moved through and/or rotated withinhousing 204 during the performance of a high temperature operation.Hooks 226 allow for transportation of heat containment apparatus 200with manipulators like cranes and/or movement of heat containmentapparatus 200 as needed during a high temperature operation.

Referring now to the nonlimiting example of a heat containment apparatusof the present invention illustrated in FIG. 3, heat containmentapparatus 300 comprises housing 304 with access window 306 and cover 320with handle 322′, handle 322, hook 326, and vents 358. Hook 326 allowsfor moving housing 304 with manipulators like a mandrel, and handle 322may allow for turning heat containment apparatus 300 about substrate 302(shown as fixed cutter drill bit).

Referring now to the nonlimiting example of a heat containment apparatusof the present invention illustrated in FIG. 4, heat containmentapparatus 400 comprises housing 404 for use in conjunction withsubstrate 402 (shown as a roller cone drill bit). Heat containmentapparatus 400 has cover 420 that opens by sliding up rails 432 with theassistance of handle 422 can allow for a sizeable access window 406.Heat containment apparatus 400 further includes substrate holder 430with base 436, heaters 440, control system 454, camera 450 operablyconnected to display 452 on cover 420, and fluid ports 446 and 446′.Substrate holder 430 with base 436 are shown here to be rotatable toallow 360° substrate access for a worker and/or for viewing with camera450 with viewing on display 452. Control system 452 may be for settingand monitoring the temperature of heaters 440. Fluid ports 446 and 446′are configure for fluid flow into and out of, respectively, heatcontainment apparatus 400. Fluid flow into and out of heat containmentapparatus 400 can achieve active cooling of substrate 402 and/or activeventilation of heat containment apparatus 400 during a high temperatureoperation.

Referring now to the nonlimiting example of a system including a heatcontainment apparatus of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 5,system 510 comprises heat containment apparatus 500 and heater 540(shown as a heated coil) for use in conjunction with substrate 502(shown as a coring drill bit). Heat containment apparatus 500 compriseshousing 504 with access window 506 having cover 520, handle 522,substrate holder 530, and base 536. Heater 540 can be raised and loweredas needed for heating substrate 502. As shown here, cover 520 is a cloth(e.g., ceramic blanket) that can be rolled to achieve sizeable accesswindow 506. Base 536 is rotatable with the assistance of handle 522.

Referring now to the nonlimiting example of a system including a heatcontainment apparatus of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 6,system 610 comprises heat containment apparatus 600 and substrate holder630 with base 636. Heat containment apparatus 600 comprises housing 604with access window 606 having slideable covers 620, chimney 642, fan644, light 648, and hook 626. Hook 626 can be operably connected to aswivel arm that can move heat containment apparatus 600 into place oversubstrate 602 (shown as a fixed cutter drill bit).

Referring now to the nonlimiting example of a system including a heatcontainment apparatus of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 7,system 710 comprising heat containment apparatus 700, lift 760 havingrotatable substrate holder 730, and ventilation 756 for use inconjunction with substrate 702 (shown as roller cone drill bit). Heatcontainment apparatus 700 comprises housing 704 having two access gaps706, chimney 742, and heaters 740. Heat containment apparatus 700 israise with a partially open bottom sized to receive substrate 702 onlift 760. Access windows 706 are configured like apertures that can beopened to a desired size radially.

Some embodiments of the present invention may involve performing a hightemperature operation or a low temperature operation on at least aportion of a substrate within a heat containment apparatus as describeherein. In some embodiments, an access window of a heat containmentapparatus of the present invention may be sized to allow workers toaccess a substrate.

As used herein, the term “high temperature operations” refers tomethods, procedures, or techniques performed at temperatures above about150° C. (300° F.). Nonlimiting examples of high temperature operationsmay include those used in operations like hardfacing, brazing,debrazing, welding, cutter removal, shrink fitting, creatinginterference connections between at least two components, connecting twoor more components where at least one component is at an elevatedtemperature, assembling non-interference components where at least onecomponent is at an elevated temperature, flame spraying, spray coating,applying an aerosolized heated metal, plasma spraying, vapor deposition,and the like, or any combination thereof. Further, high temperatureoperations may achieve changes to a substrate surface, which mayinclude, but not be limited to, applying a surface coating, rougheningor smoothing a surface, removing a surface coating, removing a portionof a surface, and the like.

As used herein, the term “low temperature operations” refers to methods,procedures, or techniques performed at temperatures below about 0° C.(32° F.). Nonlimiting examples of low temperature operations may includethose used in operations like cutter removal, shrink fitting, creatinginterference connections between at least two components, connecting twoor more components where at least one component is at a reducedtemperature, assembling non-interference components where at least onecomponent is at a reduced temperature, spray coating, and the like, orany combination thereof.

As used herein, the terms “operation” and “operations” encompasses bothlow temperature operations and high temperature operations.

As used herein, the term “substrate” refers to a material to which anoperation is conducted. Suitable substrates for use with theapparatuses, systems, and methods of the present invention may include,but not be limited to, those capable of maintaining their integrity atelevated and/or reduced temperatures including, but not limited to,metals, ceramics, glasses, carbons (e.g., graphite), polymers,high-temperature polymers, nanocomposites, high-temperaturenanocomposites, composites thereof, or any combination thereof. In someembodiments, substrates may be capable, wholly or in part, ofwithstanding temperatures of about 150° C. (300° F.) and above or 0° C.(32° F.) and below. Nonlimiting examples of substrates may includedownhole tools, downhole tool parts, drill bits, fixed angle drill bits,roller cone drill bits, coring drill bits, reamers, stabilizers,screens, hole openers, pipes, sleeves, cutters, cutting elements, motorparts, saws, chisels, plows, and the like, or components thereof.

In some embodiments, an access window of a heat containment apparatus ofthe present invention may be sized to allow workers to access asubstrate with at least a portion of a tool for performing operations.

As used herein, the term “tool” refers generally to a tool or piece ofequipment needed in performing high temperature operations or lowtemperature operations. Suitable tools of use in conjunction with theapparatuses, systems, and methods of the present invention may include,but not be limited to, torches, welders, brazing torches, hardfacingtorches, plasma torches, aerosolizers, sprayers, grasping tools,substrate manipulators, cutter manipulator, pliers, tweezers,screwdrivers, chisels, tongs, sand blasting tools, grinding tools,cutting tools, wire feeder, flux application tools, flux guns, scoops,gas nozzles, liquid nozzles, liquid dispensers, suction devices,extraction devices, guides, lifting devices, robotic fixtures, roboticarms, devices to automatically manipulate any one or a combinationthereof, and the like, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments,an access window may be sized to allow workers access to a substratewith more than one tool. In some embodiments, an access window may besized to allow more than one worker access to a substrate. It should beunderstood the access window should be sized according to the aboveneeds, which depend, inter alia, on the tools and high temperatureoperation. In some embodiments, an access window may be sized to have anopening width (or equivalent) ranging from a lower limit of about 2.5 cm(1 inch), 5.1 cm (2 inches), 7.6 cm (3 inches), 15.2 cm (6 inches), or30.5 cm (1 foot) to an upper limit of about 61 cm (2 feet), 45.7 cm (1.5feet), 30.5 cm (1 foot), or 15.2 cm (6 inches), wherein the openingwidth may range from any lower limit to any upper limit and encompassany subset therebetween. In some embodiments, an access window may besized to allow for the substrate to pass therethrough.

In some embodiments, access windows of a heat containment apparatus ofthe present invention may be of any shape including, but not limited to,circular, substantially circular, ovular, substantially ovular,polygonal (with concave and/or convex shapes), polygonal with roundedcorners, or any hybrid thereof.

In some embodiments, an access window of a heat containment apparatus ofthe present invention may be capable of resizing on-the-fly, includingfrom completely closed to a desired access window size or from a firstaccess window size to a second access window size. In some embodiments,a first portion of a housing of a heat containment apparatus of thepresent invention may be movable relative to the remaining portion ofthe housing of a heat containment apparatus of the present invention. Byway of nonlimiting example, a wall of a housing may be slideable toallow for the size of an access window to transition from an accesswindow of about 5.1 cm (2 inches) by about 15.2 cm (6 inches) to anaccess window size of about 15.2 cm (6 inches) by about 15.2 cm (6inches). By way of another nonlimiting example, an access window may beconfigured like an aperture that open radially from completely closed toa circular access window about 8 inches in diameter. Resizeable accesswindows of a heat containment apparatus described herein may allow forminimizing heat loss therethrough, e.g., when various tools ofoperations require different size access windows. Further, a resizeableaccess window may allow for a single heat containment apparatus to beuseable for multiple operations.

In some embodiments, housings of a heat containment apparatus of thepresent invention may be sized to receive at least a portion of asubstrate. Suitable housings of a heat containment apparatus describedherein may be of any shape including, but not limited to, cylindrical(with any shaped cross-section, e.g., circular, ovular, polygonal,polygonal with rounded corners, or any hybrid thereof), spherical,3D-polygonal (e.g., icosahedral), 3D-polygonal with rounded edges, orany hybrid thereof. Suitable housings may have a longitudinal directionand any radial cross-sectional shape including, but not limited to,circular, ovular, polygonal, polygonal with rounded corners, or anyhybrid thereof. Housings may have different cross-sectional sizes and/orshapes at different cross-sections, e.g., conical, pyramidal, squareboxes that transition to cones, and the like. In some embodiments, ahousing may be sized to have at least one dimension ranging from a lowerlimit of about 12.7 cm (5 inches), 20.3 cm (8 inches), 25.4 cm (10inches), 30.5 cm (1 foot), 45.7 cm (1.5 feet), or 61 cm (2 feet) to anupper limit of about 152 cm (5 feet), 122 cm (4 feet), 91 cm (3 feet),or 61 cm (2 feet), wherein the size in at least one dimension may rangefrom any lower limit to any upper limit and encompass any subsettherebetween.

In some embodiments, a heat containment apparatus described herein maycomprise an expandable housing. In some embodiments, expandable housingsof a heat containment apparatus of the present invention may be capableof expanding longitudinally and/or radially. Suitable expandablehousings may include, but not be limited to, longitudinally expandablewalls, e.g., telescopic walls or accordion walls that expand andcontract longitudinally; radially expandable walls, e.g., walls stableat more than one cross-sectional size and/or shape, accordion walls thatexpand to transition from a square to a rectangular cross-sectionalshape, or walls comprising bistable cells capable of transition from afirst circular cross-sectional shape to a second circularcross-sectional shape with a greater diameter than the first circularcross-sectional shape; or any combination thereof, e.g., sphericalhousings capable of at least two stable circumferences.

In some embodiments, a heat containment apparatus described herein maycomprise a housing with hinged walls. By way of nonlimiting example,hinged walls may provide a clamshell-like housing with an access windowthat is adjustable relative to the operation to be performed.

In some embodiments, a housing of a heat containment apparatus describedherein may comprise a frame and an insulating material. In someembodiments, the housing may be an enclosure for containing a fluidmaterial that is heated or cooled. The enclosure may allow for movementand/or cycling of the fluid material. In some embodiments, an enclosuremay contain a fluid insulating material at an increased or decreasedpressure. By way of nonlimiting example, a housing may be a quartzenclosure with a lower pressure therein, like a vacuum flask. By way ofanother nonlimiting example, a housing may comprise coiled pipe throughwhich a high-temperature mineral oil can be flowed.

In some embodiments, an access of a heat containment apparatus describedherein window may have a cover. In some embodiments, the cover for anaccess window may be an integral part of the housing of a heatcontainment apparatus described herein. In some embodiments, a cover foran access window may be removable, movable, slideable, retractable,rollable, or the like. By way of nonlimiting examples, a cover for anaccess window may be configured like a lid, a hinged-door, aslideable-door, a shade, a curtain, or any hybrid thereof. In someembodiments, a cover for an access window may be electronicallyactuated, pneumatically actuated, hydraulically actuated, fluidactuated, magnetically actuated, and the like, or any combinationthereof.

In some embodiments, a housing of a heat containment apparatus describedherein may be formed from housing materials that comprise, consistessentially of, or consist of insulating materials. Suitable insulatingmaterials may include, but not be limited to, ceramics (e.g., oxides,carbides, borides, nitrides, and silicides that may be crystalline,non-crystalline, or semi-crystalline), polymers, insulating metalcomposites, carbons, nanocomposites, foams, fluids (e.g., air), anycomposite thereof, or any combination thereof. Insulating materials foruse in conjunction with the present invention may include, but not belimited to, materials in the form of beads, particulates, flakes,fibers, wools, woven fabrics, bulked fabrics, sheets, bricks, stones,blocks, cast shapes, molded shapes, foams, sprayed insulation, and thelike, any hybrid thereof, or any combination thereof. Examples ofsuitable insulating materials for use in conjunction with the presentinvention may include, but not be limited to, ceramics, ceramic fibers,ceramic fabrics, ceramic wools, ceramic beads, ceramic blocks, moldableceramics, woven ceramics, cast ceramics, fire bricks, carbon fibers,graphite blocks, shaped graphite blocks, polymer beads, polymer fibers,polymer fabrics, nanocomposites, fluids in a jacket, metal fabrics,metal wools, metal castings, and the like, any composite thereof, or anycombination thereof.

In embodiments where a housing of a heat containment apparatus describedherein consists essentially of or consists of insulating materials, theinsulating materials may be capable of forming self-supportedstructures. Such suitable insulating materials may include, but not belimited to, ceramics, ceramic fibers, ceramic blocks, moldable ceramics,woven ceramics, cast ceramics, fire bricks, carbon fibers, graphiteblocks, shaped graphite blocks, nanocomposites, fluids in a jacket,metal fabrics, metal wools, metal castings, insulating metal composites,and the like, any composite thereof, or any combination thereof.

Suitable insulating materials for use in conjunction with a heatcontainment apparatus may, in some embodiments, be capable ofmaintaining a substrate placed therein at temperatures ranging from alower limit of about −200° C. (−325° F.), −100° C. (−150° F.), 0° C.(32° F.), 150° C. (300° F.), 175° C. (350° F.), 260° C. (500° F.), 400°C. (750° F.), 480° C. (900° F.), or 535° C. (1000° F.) to an upper limitof about 870° C. (1600° F.), 815° C. (1500° F.), 705° C. (1300° F.),535° C. (1000° F.), 260° C. (500° F.), 0° C. (32° F.), or −100° C.(−150° F.), wherein the temperature may range from any lower limit toany upper limit and encompass any subset therebetween. Suitableinsulating materials for use in conjunction with a heat containmentapparatus may, in some embodiments, be able to withstand temperaturesranging from a lower limit of about −200° C. (−325° F.), −100° C. (−150°F.), 0° C. (32° F.), 150° C. (300° F.), 260° C. (500° F.), 400° C. (750°F.), or 535° C. (1000° F.) to an upper limit of about 870° C. (1600°F.), 815° C. (1500° F.), 705° C. (1300° F.), 535° C. (1000° F.), 0° C.(32° F.), or −100° C. (−150° F.), wherein the temperature may range fromany lower limit to any upper limit and encompass any subsettherebetween. One skilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosureshould understand the insulating material should be appropriately chosenfor the substrate temperature to be maintained. By way of nonlimitingexample, a housing formed with an insulating material comprising apolymer may be better suited for use with substrates that need bemaintained between temperatures of about 175° C. (350° F.) to about 260°C. (500° F.). Whereas, housings formed with an insulating materialcomprising ceramic bricks may be used with substrates that need to bemaintained at temperatures up to about 870° C. (1600° F.).

In addition to the housing having an access window and the insulatingmaterial, a heat containment apparatus of the present invention mayfurther comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of one or morethermal elements configured to be in thermal communication with asubstrate disposed therein. In some embodiments, a heat containmentapparatus may comprise thermal elements configured to move in and out ofthermal communication with a substrate disposed therein. Thermalelements may be heating elements or cooling elements. In someembodiments, a heat containment apparatus may comprise both heatingelements and cooling elements. In some embodiments, a heat containmentapparatus may comprise at least two zones where the first zone providesfor a substrate to be in thermal communication with thermal elements andthe second zone provides for the substrate to not be in thermalcommunication with thermal elements, e.g. the heat containment apparatusshown in FIG. 2.

Suitable heating elements for use in conjunction with a heat containmentapparatus may, in some embodiments, include, but not be limited to,radiant heaters, electric heaters, infrared heaters, induction heaters,heating bands, heated coils, burning materials, heated fluids (flowingor static), exothermic chemical reactions, nuclear reactions, or anycombination thereof. Suitable configuration for heating elements for usein conjunction with a heat containment apparatus may, in someembodiments, include, but not be limited to, coils, plates, strips,finned strips, and the like, or any combination thereof. Suitablethermal elements for use in conjunction with a heat containmentapparatus described herein may, in some embodiments, be capable ofmaintaining a substrate at temperatures ranging from a lower limit ofabout 150° C. (300° F.), 175° C. (350° F.), 260° C. (500° F.), 400° C.(750° F.), 480° C. (900° F.), or 535° C. (1000° F.) to an upper limit ofabout 870° C. (1600° F.), 815° C. (1500° F.), 705° C. (1300° F.), 535°C. (1000° F.), 260° C. (500° F.), wherein the temperature may range fromany lower limit to any upper limit and encompass any subsettherebetween. In some embodiments, a substrate may be electricallyheated.

Suitable cooling elements for use in conjunction with a heat containmentapparatus may, in some embodiments, include, but not be limited to,electric coolers, thermoelectric coolers, cooling coils, cooled fluids(flowing or static), endothermic chemical reactions, or any combinationthereof. Suitable configuration for cooling elements may include, butnot be limited to, coils, plates, strips, finned strips, and the like,or any combination thereof. Suitable thermal elements for use inconjunction with a heat containment apparatus may, in some embodiments,be capable of maintaining a substrate at temperatures ranging from alower limit of about −200° C. (−325° F.), −100° C. (−150° F.), −50° C.(−60° F.), or 0° C. (32° F.), to an upper limit of about 0° C. (32° F.),−50° C. (−60° F.), or −100° C. (−150° F.), wherein the temperature mayrange from any lower limit to any upper limit and encompass any subsettherebetween.

In some embodiments, thermal elements for use in conjunction with a heatcontainment apparatus may, in some embodiments, be relationallyconfigured to be separated from a substrate disposed within the heatcontainment apparatus by a distance ranging from a lower limit ofphysical contact, about 0.1 cm (0.04 inches), about 0.2 cm (0.08inches), about 0.5 cm (0.2 inches), about 1 cm (0.4 inches), or about5.1 cm (2 inches) to an upper limit of about 25 cm (9.8 inches), 10 cm(3.9 inches), 5.1 cm (2 inches), 2.5 cm (1 inch), 2 cm (0.8 inches), 1.5cm (0.6 inches), or 1 cm (0.4 inches), and wherein the distance mayrange from any lower limit to any upper limit and encompass any subsettherebetween. It should be noted that when thermal contact is notdesired, e.g., when thermal elements are capable of moving in and out ofthermal contact with a substrate, the thermal elements may be configuredto be more than 25 cm (9.8 inches) from the substrate.

In some embodiments, a housing of a heat containment apparatus describedherein may comprise an internal reflective coating. Such a coating maybe beneficial in maintaining elevated and/or reduced temperatures withinsaid housing. Suitable reflective coatings may be adhered to and/orsprayed onto at least a portion of the internal surface of the housing.

In some embodiments, a heat containment of a heat containment apparatusdescribed herein apparatus may comprise features including, but notlimited to, substrate holders, bearings, sensors, cameras, viewingwindows, lights, handles, hooks, fluid ports, chimneys, vents, fluidhandling devices, a base, electromagnetic field generators, magneticfield generators, tubings, and the like, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, in addition to the housing having an access windowand the insulating material, a heat containment apparatus of the presentinvention may further comprise, consist essentially of, or consist ofone or more substrate holders to secure a substrate therein. In someembodiments, substrate holders may comprise threads, mandrels, pins,posts, and the like, or any combination thereof.

Substrate holders of a heat containment apparatus described herein mayalso be capable of moving relative to the access window. Movement of thesubstrate may include, but not be limited to, angularly (e.g., tilting),rotationally (e.g., spinning and turning), vertically, laterally, andany combination thereof. In some embodiments, substrate holders maycomprise bearings, chucks, turntables, positioners, lifts, rails, andthe like, or any combination thereof. By way of nonlimiting example, asubstrate holder may be a turntable within the housing that allows forthe substrate to rotate so that all surfaces of the substrate to betreated can be accessed. By way of another nonlimiting example, asubstrate holder may be on rails that allow for the substrate to bemoved to different areas of the heat containment apparatus like betweenareas with active heating and areas closer to the access window.Further, in some embodiments, substrate holders may be rotatable in onedirection and the housing may be capable of rotating in anotherdirection.

Further, substrate holders of a heat containment apparatus describedherein may also be capable of maintaining a portion of the substrate ata reduced temperature. By way of nonlimiting example, a substrate holderfor a drill bit may actively or passively keep the threads of the drillbit at a temperature lower than the portion of the drill bit to betreated, e.g., during a brazing operation.

In some embodiments, in addition to the housing having an access windowand the insulating material, a heat containment apparatus of the presentinvention may further comprise, consist essentially of, or consist ofone or more bearings (or the like) to provide movement of the heatcontainment apparatus or a component thereof (e.g., the housing).

In some embodiments, in addition to the housing having an access windowand the insulating material, a heat containment apparatus of the presentinvention may further comprise, consist essentially of, or consist ofone or more sensors to provide feedback as to the conditions within theheat containment apparatus and/or on the substrate. Suitable sensors foruse in conjunction with a heat containment apparatus described hereinmay include, but not be limited to, thermocouples, thermosensors (e.g.,infrared thermometer), gas sensors (e.g., carbon monoxide sensors),chemical sensors (e.g., copper sensors), particulate sensors, magneticfield sensors, and the like, or any combination thereof. Suitableconditions to be measured may include, but not be limited to, surfacetemperature for substrates (including at multiple points on thesurface), temperature of a portion of the housing, temperature of theair within the housing, composition and/or concentration of componentswithin the gas in the housing, composition and/or concentration ofcomponents within the gas being exhausted from the housing, size ofparticulates suspended in the gas in the housing and/or being exhaustedfrom the housing, strength of a magnetic field, or any combinationthereof.

In some embodiments, in addition to the housing having an access windowand the insulating material, a heat containment apparatus of the presentinvention may further comprise, consist essentially of, or consist ofone or more cameras to provide multiple viewing angles of substrateswithin the heat containment apparatus. Further, said cameras may becapable of recording (with individual frames and/or continuously) thehigh temperature operation performed within the heat containmentapparatus. In some embodiments, said camera may be capable ofmanipulation (e.g., changing angles and/or zoom) during a hightemperature operation. Suitable cameras may include, but not be limitedto, optical cameras, thermal imaging cameras, cameras capable ofdetecting at least one wavelength from about ultraviolet light to aboutinfrared light, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, in addition to the housing having an access windowand the insulating material, a heat containment apparatus of the presentinvention may further comprise, consist essentially of, or consist ofone or more viewing windows to provide for multiple angles of viewing byone or more workers. It should be noted that viewing windows may beplaced anywhere in relation to the access window. Further, viewingwindows may be of different sizes and/or shapes.

In some embodiments, in addition to the housing having an access windowand the insulating material, a heat containment apparatus of the presentinvention may further comprise, consist essentially of, or consist ofone or more lights to provide enhanced viewing of the substrate.Suitable lights may include, but not be limited to, white lights,colored lights, and the like. Lights may be mounted in any way known toone skilled in the art including, but not limited to, integrated as partof the housing, on or in a movable arm (e.g., a swivel arm or asnake-like device), and the like. In some embodiments, lights may beused in the operation of other features of the heat containmentapparatus. By way of nonlimiting example, a white light may be used inconjunction with a camera or scanning device capable of providing dataas to the thickness of a surface coating being applied or removed.

In some embodiments, in addition to the housing having an access windowand the insulating material, a heat containment apparatus of the presentinvention may further comprise, consist essentially of, or consist ofone or more hooks and/or handles to provide points of attachment for theheat containment apparatus. In some embodiments, the points ofattachment may be used in conjunction with moving the heat containmentapparatus or a component thereof (like a cover). By way of nonlimitingexample, a heat containment apparatus may comprise a hook, or series ofhooks, that allows for operable connection to a crane such that the heatcontainment apparatus may be lowered into position around a substrate toundergo a high temperature operation.

In some embodiments, in addition to the housing having an access windowand the insulating material, a heat containment apparatus of the presentinvention may further comprise, consist essentially of, or consist ofone or more fluid ports for actively moving fluids (gases and/or liquid)into and out of the heat containment apparatus. It should be noted thatsaid fluids may comprise particulates. By way of nonlimiting example, afluid port may be operably connected to a ventilation device to assistin the removal of fumes and/or air borne particulates that may behazardous to workers. In some embodiments, fluid ports may be capable ofon-the-fly opening, closing, partially opening, partially closing, andthe like.

In some embodiments, fluid ports may be used in conjunction withcreating a controlled environment around at least a portion of thesubstrate. Examples of controlled environments may include, but not belimited to, inert gases, reactive gases, and the like. By way of anothernonlimiting example, a fluid port may be at the top of a heatcontainment apparatus for introducing argon into the housing to providea controlled environment around at least a portion of the substrate.

In some embodiments, in addition to the housing having an access windowand the insulating material, a heat containment apparatus of the presentinvention may further comprise, consist essentially of, or consist ofone or more chimneys (or flues) and/or vents to assist in directingfluid flow and heat dissipation away from workers. Said direction may bepassive or active.

In some embodiments, in addition to the housing having an access windowand the insulating material, a heat containment apparatus of the presentinvention may further comprise, consist essentially of, or consist ofone or more fluid handling devices. Fluid handling devices may besuitable for use in conjunction with fluid insulating materials, fluidinlets, chimneys, vents, and the like. Suitable fluid handling devicesmay include, but not be limited to, dampers, fans, blowers, pumps, andthe like.

In some embodiments, in addition to the housing having an access windowand the insulating material, a heat containment apparatus of the presentinvention may further comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of abase to provide stability and/or movement of the heat containmentapparatus. By way of nonlimiting example, a base may comprise bearingsthat allow for the heat containment apparatus to move relative to thesubstrate disposed therein.

In some embodiments, in addition to the housing having an access windowand the insulating material, a heat containment apparatus of the presentinvention may further comprise, consist essentially of, or consist ofone or more electromagnetic field generators for producingelectromagnetic radiation with the heat containment apparatus. Theelectromagnetic radiation may interact with a portion of the substrateand/or an aspect of the high temperature operation (e.g., a surfacecoating being applied or removed). Suitable electromagnetic radiation tobe produced may include, but not be limited to, x-rays, near infraredlight, and microwaves. By way of nonlimiting example, a brazed substratemay include within the braze a nanoparticle that produces heat whenexposed to microwaves. Removal of the braze may be enhanced by exposingthe braze to microwaves and radiant heat.

In some embodiments, in addition to the housing having an access windowand the insulating material, a heat containment apparatus of the presentinvention may further comprise, consist essentially of, or consist ofone or more magnetic field generators. In some embodiments, magneticfield generators may be for generating magnetic fields about at least aportion of a substrate and/or for use in conjunction with operationsperformed within the heat containment apparatus. Magnetic fields may beproduced from any suitable source including, but not limited to,electromagnets, permanent magnets, temporary magnets, and the like, orany combination thereof. By way of nonlimiting example, a heatcontainment apparatus may include a magnetic field across the accesswindow so as to attract and trap any small magnetic particles producedduring an operation, which may advantageously reduce the potentialexposure of workers to said particles. By way of another nonlimitingexample, an electromagnetic field may be used in conjunction withheating a portion of a substrate via induction heating while within theheat containment apparatus.

In some embodiments, in addition to the housing having an access windowand the insulating material, a heat containment apparatus of the presentinvention may further comprise, consist essentially of, or consist ofone or more tubings. Tubings may be for a plurality of uses including,but not limited to, in conjunction with flowing fluids, inductive coils,maintaining magnetic fields, and the like.

In some embodiments, a control system may be interfaced with a componentof a heat containment apparatus. As used herein, the term “controlsystem” refers to a system that can operate to receive and sendelectronic signals and may include functions of interfacing with a user,providing data readouts, collecting data, storing data, changingvariable setpoints, maintaining setpoints, providing notifications offailures, and any combination thereof. Suitable control mechanisms mayinclude, but are not limited to, variable transformers, ohmmeters,programmable logic controllers, digital logic circuits, electricalrelays, computers, virtual reality systems, and any combination thereof.Suitable heat containment apparatus components that may be operablyconnected to a control system may include, but not be limited to,movable components (like movable covers, movable walls, and sizableaccess windows), heaters, sensors, cameras, lights, fluid handlingdevices, a base (including a movable base), substrate holders (includingmovable substrate holders), electromagnetic field generators, and thelike, or any combination thereof. It should be noted that a heatcontainment apparatus may have more than one control system that caninterface with any number of heat containment apparatus components.Nonlimiting examples of control systems may include heat temperaturessetpoint and readout interfaces for heaters, a plurality of temperatureand gas sensors connected to a single readout panel, and a cameraconnected to a computer running a program to provide the thickness of acoating being applied.

In some embodiments, a system may comprise a heat containment apparatusaccording to any embodiment described herein. In some embodiments,features and components of a heat containment apparatus described abovemay be features and components of a system including, but not limitedto, sensors, cameras, lights, fluid handling devices, substrate holders,electromagnetic field generators, control systems, and the like, or anycombination thereof. It should be noted that the distinction betweenfeatures and components being part of a heat containment apparatus and asystem is that as a part of a heat containment apparatus features andcomponents are integral with the housing.

In some embodiments, additional features and components of a system mayinclude, but not be limited to, ventilation elements and manipulators.

Suitable ventilation elements may include, but not be limited to, venthoods, vacuums, fans, and the like, or any combination thereof.

Suitable manipulators may include, but not be limited to, cranes, hooks,swivel arms, mandrels, lifts, tool balancers, turntables, fluid poweredcylinders (e.g., pneumatic or hydraulic including those usingferrofluids), fluid powered actuators (e.g., pneumatic or hydraulicincluding those using ferrofluids), electrical actuators, motors, andthe like, or any combination thereof. Manipulators may be capable ofoperably connecting to housings, features and components of housings(like hooks and handles) and/or substrate holders. By way of nonlimitingexample, a housing comprising a hook may be operably connected to acrane for raising and lowering over a substrate. By way of anothernonlimiting example, a substrate holder may be operably connected to alift capable of raising and lowering a substrate into a housing. By wayof another nonlimiting example, a system may include swivel arms formoving a substrate from a heated area, like a kiln, to a heatcontainment apparatus.

In some embodiments, a heat containment apparatus and/or a system may beused when performing operations. In some embodiments, more than oneoperation may be performed on at least a portion of a substrate whileutilizing a heat containment apparatus and/or system according to anyembodiment described herein. Some embodiments may involve performing sixor more operations on a substrate. Said operations may include both hightemperature operations and low temperature operations.

Some embodiments of the present invention may involve heating and/orcooling a substrate while in a heat containment apparatus according toany embodiment described herein. Some embodiments may involvemanipulating a substrate during an operation. Some embodiments mayinvolve moving a substrate through a heat containment apparatus (e.g.,the housing) and/or the system while performing an operation. Someembodiments may involve moving a substrate between zones of a heatcontainment apparatus and/or system, e.g., moving into and out ofthermal communication with a thermal element of the heat containmentapparatus and/or system.

Some embodiments of the present invention may involve heating and/orcooling at least a portion of a substrate to a temperature ranging froma lower limit of about −200° C. (−325° F.), −100° C. (−150° F.), 0° C.(32° F.), 150° C. (300° F.), 175° C. (350° F.), 260° C. (500° F.), 400°C. (750° F.), 480° C. (900° F.), or 535° C. (1000° F.) to an upper limitof about 870° C. (1600° F.), 815° C. (1500° F.), 705° C. (1300° F.),535° C. (1000° F.), 260° C. (500° F.), 0° C. (32° F.), or −100° C.(−150° F.), wherein the temperature may range from any lower limit toany upper limit and encompass any subset therebetween. Some embodimentsof the present invention may involve heating and/or cooling at least aportion of a substrate to an effective temperature to contract or expandthe substrate by a desired amount. By way of nonlimiting example, a pipemay be cooled with liquid nitrogen in a heat containment apparatusthereby reducing the diameter of the pipe. Then the cooled pipe may beplaced inside a sleeve such that when the pipe returns to roomtemperature the sleeve and pipe are substantially inseparable. Toachieve the same result in another nonlimiting example, the sleeve maybe heated in a heat containment apparatus so as to increase the innerdiameter of the sleeve so that the pipe will fit into the sleeve.Similar to the previous example, once cooled the sleeve and pipe aresubstantially inseparable.

Some embodiments of the present invention may involve placing at least aportion of a substrate into the heat containment apparatus. Someembodiments may involve placing at least a portion of a substrate intothe heat containment apparatus while the substrate is at an elevated orreduced temperature. It should be noted that placing at least a portionof a substrate into a heat containment apparatus includes placing theheat containment apparatus about at least a portion of the substratewithout moving the substrate.

Some embodiments of the present invention may involve heating at least aportion of a substrate to a first temperature; placing the portion ofthe substrate in a heat containment apparatus according to anyembodiment described herein; maintaining a first section of the portionof the substrate above a second temperature; and performing a first hightemperature operation on the first section of the portion of thesubstrate while the portion of the substrate is substantially within theheat containment apparatus. In some embodiments, heating may occur inthe heat containment apparatus. In some embodiments, the secondtemperature may be warmer or cooler than (i.e., within) the firsttemperature by about 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80%.

Some embodiments of the present invention may involve heating at least aportion of a substrate to a first temperature; placing the portion ofthe substrate in a heat containment apparatus according to anyembodiment described herein; maintaining a first section of the portionof the substrate above a second temperature; performing a first hightemperature operation on the first section of the portion of thesubstrate while the portion of the substrate is substantially within theheat containment apparatus; maintaining a second section of the portionof the substrate above a third temperature; and performing a second hightemperature operation on the second section of the portion of thesubstrate while the portion of the substrate is substantially within theheat containment apparatus. In some embodiments, heating may occur inthe heat containment apparatus. In some embodiments, the secondtemperature may be warmer or cooler than the first temperature by about50%, 60%, 70%, or 80%. In some embodiments, the third temperature may bewarmer or cooler than the second temperature by about 50%, 60%, 70%, or80%. In some embodiments, the third temperature may be higher than thesecond temperature. In some embodiments, similar methods may extend tothird, fourth, and so on high temperature operations.

Some embodiments of the present invention may involve cooling at least aportion of a substrate to a first temperature; placing the portion ofthe substrate in a heat containment apparatus according to anyembodiment described herein; maintaining a first section of the portionof the substrate below a second temperature; and performing a first lowtemperature operation on the first section of the portion of thesubstrate while the portion of the substrate is substantially within theheat containment apparatus. In some embodiments, cooling may occur inthe heat containment apparatus. In some embodiments, the secondtemperature may be warmer or cooler than the first temperature by about50%, 60%, 70%, or 80%.

Some embodiments of the present invention may involve cooling at least aportion of a substrate to a first temperature; placing the portion ofthe substrate in a heat containment apparatus according to anyembodiment described herein; maintaining a first section of the portionof the substrate below a second temperature; performing a first lowtemperature operation on the first section of the portion of thesubstrate while the portion of the substrate is substantially within theheat containment apparatus; maintaining a second section of the portionof the substrate below a third temperature; and performing a second lowtemperature operation on the second section of the portion of thesubstrate while the portion of the substrate is substantially within theheat containment apparatus. In some embodiments of the presentinvention, cooling may occur in the heat containment apparatus. In someembodiments of the present invention, the second temperature may bewarmer or cooler than the first temperature by about 50%, 60%, 70%, or80%. In some embodiments, the third temperature may be warmer or coolerthan the second temperature by about 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80%. In someembodiments, the third temperature may be less than the secondtemperature. In some embodiments, similar methods may extend to third,fourth, and so on low temperature operations.

In some embodiments, sections (first, second, third, and so on) of theportion of the substrate may be the same section. In some embodiments,sections (first, second, third, and so on) of the portion of thesubstrate may overlap, substantially overlap, not overlap, or anycombination thereof. By way of nonlimiting example, a substrate may be arotary cone drill bit where a first section may be a cutting element, asecond section may be a cutter, and a third section may be the area (orvolume) at and near the interface between the cutting element and thecutter. By way of another nonlimiting example, a substrate may be afixed cutter drill bit with a first section being the cutting elementsand a second section being the surface of the fixed cutter drill bitexcluding the threads.

In some embodiments, a heat containment apparatus may include a housinghaving an access window, the housing being formed, at least in part, ofan insulating material.

In other embodiments, a heat containment apparatus includes a housingbeing an expandable structure having an access window, the housingincluding an insulating material.

In still other embodiments, the present invention provides a heatcontainment apparatus that includes a housing with a heating element, aninsulating material, and an access window.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a heat containmentapparatus that includes a housing with an insulating material, an accesswindow, and at least one selected from the group of a chimney, aremovable access gap cover, a slideable access gap cover, a hingedaccess gap cover, a viewing window, a longitudinally expandable wall, aradially expandable wall, a hinged wall, a handle, a fluid port, aheating element, a fluid jacket, a reduced pressure container, asubstrate holder, a base, or any combination thereof.

In other embodiments, the present invention provides a system thatincludes a heat containment apparatus with a housing having an accesswindow, the housing being formed, at least in part, of an insulatingmaterial; a substrate holder capable of maintaining a substrate withinthe heat containment apparatus; and a ventilation element in fluidcommunication with the heat containment apparatus.

In still other embodiments, the present invention provides a method thatincludes heating at least a portion of a substrate to a firsttemperature; placing the portion of the substrate in a heat containmentapparatus that includes a housing having an access window, the housingbeing formed, at least in part, of an insulating material; maintaining afirst section of the portion of the substrate above a second temperaturethat is within about 50% of the first temperature; and performing afirst high temperature operation on the first section of the portion ofthe substrate while the portion of the substrate is substantially withinthe heat containment apparatus.

Therefore, the present invention is well adapted to attain the ends andadvantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. Theparticular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as thepresent invention may be modified and practiced in different butequivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having thebenefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations areintended to the details of construction or design herein shown, otherthan as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that theparticular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered,combined, or modified and all such variations are considered within thescope and spirit of the present invention. The invention illustrativelydisclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any elementthat is not specifically disclosed herein and/or any optional elementdisclosed herein. While compositions and methods are described in termsof “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” various components orsteps, the compositions and methods can also “consist essentially of” or“consist of” the various components and steps. All numbers and rangesdisclosed above may vary by some amount. Whenever a numerical range witha lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and anyincluded range falling within the range is specifically disclosed. Inparticular, every range of values (of the form, “from about a to aboutb,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a to b,” or, equivalently,“from approximately a-b”) disclosed herein is to be understood to setforth every number and range encompassed within the broader range ofvalues. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaningunless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee.Moreover, the indefinite articles “a” or “an,” as used in the claims,are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the element that itintroduces. If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or term inthis specification and one or more patent or other documents that may beincorporated herein by reference, the definitions that are consistentwith this specification should be adopted.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A heat containment apparatus comprising: a housing having an access window, the housing comprising an insulating material.
 2. The heat containment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing is formed from the insulating material.
 3. The heat containment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the insulating material comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: a ceramic, a ceramic fiber, a ceramic block, a moldable ceramic, a woven ceramic, a cast ceramic, a fire brick, a carbon fiber, a graphite block, a shaped graphite block, a nanocomposite, a fluid in a jacket, a metal fabric, a metal wool, a metal casing, an insulating metal composite, any composite thereof, and any combination thereof.
 4. The heat containment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: a frame, a removable access window cover, a slideable access window cover, a hinged access window cover, a viewing window, a longitudinally expandable wall, a radially expandable wall, a hinged wall, a handle, a fluid port, a fluid jacket, a reduced pressure container, a substrate holder, a base, and any combination thereof.
 5. The heat containment apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: at least one selected from the group consisting of: a heating element, a substrate holder, a sensor, a camera, a viewing window, a light, a handle, a hook, a fluid port, a chimney, a vent, a fluid handling device, a base, an electromagnetic field generator, a control system, and any combination thereof.
 6. The heat containment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing is capable of being operably connected to a manipulator that comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: a crane, a hook, a swivel arm, a mandrel, a lift, a tool balancer, a turntable, a fluid powered cylinder, a fluid powered actuator, an electrical actuator, a motor, and any combination thereof.
 7. The heat containment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a heating element capable of maintaining a temperature of at least a portion of a substrate between about 480° C. and about 705° C.
 8. The heat containment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a heating element capable of maintaining a temperature of at least a portion of a substrate between about 260° C. and about 535° C.
 9. The heat containment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a heating element capable of maintaining a temperature of at least a portion of a substrate between about 150° C. and about 260° C.
 10. The heat containment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises an internal surface having a reflective coating.
 11. The heat containment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a fluid jacket operably capable of flowing fluids therethrough at an elevated or reduced temperature.
 12. A heat containment apparatus comprising: a housing that comprises an access window and an insulating material; and a heating element.
 13. A system comprising: a heat containment apparatus that comprises a housing having an access window, the housing comprising an insulating material; a substrate holder capable of positionally maintaining a substrate within the heat containment apparatus; and a ventilation element in fluid communication with the heat containment apparatus.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the housing further comprises a frame.
 15. The system of claim 13, wherein the substrate holder is movable in at least one direction selected from the group consisting of: angularly, rotationally, vertically, laterally, and any combination thereof.
 16. A method comprising: heating at least a portion of a substrate to a first temperature; placing the portion of the substrate in a heat containment apparatus that comprises a housing having an access window, the housing comprising an insulating material; maintaining a first section of the portion of the substrate above a second temperature that is greater than about 50% of the first temperature; and performing a first high temperature operation on the first section of the portion of the substrate while the portion of the substrate is substantially within the heat containment apparatus.
 17. The method of claim 16 further comprising: maintaining a second section of the portion of the substrate above a third temperature that is greater than about 50% of the second temperature; and performing a second high temperature operation on the second section of the portion of the substrate while the portion of the substrate is substantially within the heat containment apparatus.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the first section of the portion of the substrate and the second section of the portion of the substrate overlap.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the first section of the portion of the substrate and the second section of the portion of the substrate are the same section of the portion of the substrate.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein the heat containment apparatus further comprises a heating element, and wherein heating is performed in the heat containment apparatus.
 21. The method of claim 16, wherein the first high temperature operation is at least one selected from the group consisting of: hardfacing, brazing, debrazing, welding, cutter removal, shrink fitting, creating interference connections between at least two components, connecting two or more components where at least one component is at an elevated temperature, assembling non-interference components where at least one component is at an elevated temperature, flame spraying, spray coating, applying an aerosolized heated metal, plasma spraying, vapor deposition, and any combination thereof.
 22. The method of claim 16 further comprising: moving the substrate through the first heat containment apparatus while performing the high temperature operation. 